High Winds Disrupt Flights at San Diego Airport

Nearly 100 flights delayed as airport temporarily shuts down air travel due to strong winds.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Aviation officials at San Diego International Airport temporarily shut down air travel on Monday morning due to high winds. As of 11:30 a.m., 95 flights out of SAN have been delayed, with only two flights canceled. The airport is also closed to all unscheduled aircraft unless they have received prior permission, with that closure scheduled through 1 p.m.

Why it matters

Strong winds can pose significant safety risks for air travel, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and potential hazards for both passengers and airport operations. San Diego International Airport is a major transportation hub, so disruptions there can have ripple effects across the region and impact many travelers.

The details

The incoming storm will generate strong winds with high and choppy seas beginning Monday, weakening a bit on Tuesday before increasing again on Wednesday and prevailing into Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service. Gusty south to west winds are expected from the coast to the deserts, with stronger and potentially damaging west winds along the mountain crests and adjacent desert slopes Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.

  • As of 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, nearly 100 flights from San Diego have been delayed.
  • The airport closure is scheduled through 1 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

San Diego International Airport

A major airport serving the San Diego metropolitan area, handling over 20 million passengers annually.

Federal Aviation Administration

The agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation in the United States.

National Weather Service

The primary weather forecasting, meteorology, and climate agency of the United States government.

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The takeaway

This disruption at San Diego International Airport highlights the significant impact that severe weather can have on air travel, underscoring the need for airports and airlines to be prepared for such events and have contingency plans in place to minimize the inconvenience and disruption to passengers.